NEAR WEST CHICAGO: OAK PARK, ILLINOIS

Up and down Marion Street...

There’s a great value to playing tourist in your own town.  Fiber tourist?  All the better.  And so I’ve come to look forward to those times in the DestiKNITions schedule where I get to wander close to home, exploring shops I ought to know but haven’t yet met.  Today and in our next episode, we’ll meet two great shops in Chicago’s near western suburbs.  Lucky for us, we’ll also get to explore two great neighborhoods with lots to offer the curious fiber tourist.

To begin: A DestiKNITions tradition—sugar for breakfast!

Sugar Fixé

119 N. Marion Street

Oak Park, IL  60302

708-948-7720

www.sugarfixe.com

Longtime readers know my passion for French macarons, and Sugar Fixé did not disappoint. Delicate, lushly colored, and perfect, I ate one in every available flavor and would have gone back for more.  They boast a nice selection of “Breakfast pastries,” so they get my morning sugar vibe just fine.  Top it off with Julius Meinl coffee and espresso drinks, and the day is off to a fabulous start.

Lucky you, you’re only steps away from today’s fiber fix:

Knot Just Knits

1107-1109 Westgate St

Oak Park, IL 60301

708-948-7943

http://www.knotjustknits.com/

I had heard about this shop several times, always from devoted fans who raved about the friendly vibe.  Walking in on a rainy weekday morning, I saw that welcoming atmosphere in action.  Owner Ellizabeth Halpern called nearly every customer by name, asking many about their family, their work, or some other personal detail.  “I could never understand knit shops that felt ‘mean.’” Elizabeth offers.  “I sought to ensure Knot Just Knits has a community feel.”

It does.  From the table in the sunny corner inviting “sit and knit” conversations to the generous supply of cookies and chocolate on that table, Elizabeth has created an atmosphere of instant comfort.  As if I didn’t like her enough already, she mentioned she had already been given and had read a copy of Homefront Hero!  If you’re a fan of Malabrigo—their sock yarn or any of their fabulous fibers—this is the store for you.  And Knot Just Knits is just that—not just knitting.  You’ll find supplies for needlepoint and other needle arts here as well.

While many stores rely on a hefty class schedule, Not Just Knits takes a different approach.  “I have a love-hate relationship with classes—I prefer the private lesson model,” Elizabeth says.  “That way you can make whatever you want whenever you can.”  Given today’s busy lifestyles, the idea has real merit.  Still, the store does offer some classes and class-like events.  A store favorite is the “Year Long Afghan Knit Along,” complete with a “Show and Tell” party in December.  How much fun is that?

My favorite quote from the day came from a discussion of knitting perfection and mistakes.  “If someone is close enough to see that mistake, they’re [also] close enough to hit.”  The saying makes me smile every time I drop a stitch—but I’ve no plans to slug anyone in the near future, and I suspect neither does someone as personable as Elizabeth.

The shop is stock-full of great ideas, but here are some specific projects to tempt your needles:

image from Strickmich

The Leftie Shawl

Our Knit-Along from Knot Just Knits, this clever design by Martina Behm utilizes simple garter stitch sections interspersed with leaf-motif stripes that can follow a color scheme or simply eat up all those left-overs sitting in your stash drawer.  For my shawl, Elizabeth gave me Malabrigo Sock and a five color palate of “Cheshire Cat” mini skeins from Wonderland Yarns.

The Fallingwater Hat

Oak Park is an architecture town.  It’s a haven for Frank Lloyd Wright fans, and this hat from the book “Knitting Architecture” takes its inspiration from the master’s famous “Fallingwater” home.  Done up in Tosh Vintage, the clever loop top sets this cap apart from the ordinary.

Watermelon Baby Hat

I’ve made an apple baby hat for years, but this is a new twist on infant fruity headwear.  Taken from the “Spud & Chloe” blog and utilizing their Sweater yarn, this hat would make any tiny head that much sweeter.

Interrupted Cable Cowl

Chicago is home to “The Fiber Friend,” Amy Kaspar, who also makes her Chi-town mark as The Chicago Knitting Examiner.  Aside from stringing together clever sentences, Amy also is an accomplished pattern designer, as this inventive cowl shows.  Malabrigo Rasta has been used in many a cowl pattern, but this is one of my new favorites.  Think of all the fun you can have with those buttons!

Cabled Mitts

Want a small scale project to dip your toes—or in this case your wrists—into the world of cables?  Designer Colleen Powley creates a simple but elegant project for the novice cable knitter.  Choose a bright or light color, and your wrists will be the best dressed and coziest in town.

When you’ve stocked your knitting bag, it’s time to stock your shopping bag.  Marion Street is a perfect little retail experience, with a variety of stores and boutiques to lure you.  Two of my favorites were:

Scratch N Sniff

120 North Marion Street

Oak Park, IL  60301

708-725-3043

www.scratchnsniff.biz

Homegoods, handbags, and pet accessories together in one store?  Why not? I wanted several of the handbags as badly as I wanted several of the dog collars.  Somehow it feels less guilty to spend money on both me and my dog.

Muse

106 N. Marion Street

Oak Park, IL  60301

708-948-7052

www.museoakpark.com

I especially liked the clothing in this artsy boutique, and the nice conversation I had with the sales staff about how to fit someone of my height.

Once you’re ready for lunch, I have two options.  If you are vegetarian or vegan, head to:

Munch 

104 N. Marion Street

Oak Park, IL  60301

708-848-4225

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Munch-INC/254351477909822

How can you not love a place where one of the most popular dishes is “The Groovy Plate”? I like that there are deserts offered along with those kale tacos.  The menu changes constantly, so every trip here can be a new experience.  My sources tell me the weekend brunch is fabulous!

You other option:

Marion Street Cheese Market

100 S. Marion Street

Oak Park, IL  60302

708-725-7200

www.marionstreetcheesemarket.com

I loved this place.  I mean really loved this place.   The service was attentive, the atmosphere lovely, and the food was exquisite.  When I asked to try a particular cheese that the folks from Knot Just Knits recommended, they bought me the artiest little plate with the Cowgirl Creamery Mt Tam, a mango sauce thing, some figs, and a little bowl of nuts. I felt such a foodie!  

Then came the sandwich.  Now, I am generally not a sandwich person, and I doubted when my server raved about the Cauliflower Melt because I am also not much of a cauliflower fan.  “Try it,” my server encouraged, “it was just featured on the Food Network and everybody loves it.”  Trust your servers, people, they know their stuff.  It was divine.  The best sandwich I think I’ve ever had, certainly the best one in recent memory. Go eat this.  Truly, you must.

That high note marks the perfect place to wrap up my Oak Park Adventure.  There’s plenty more to enjoy in this lovely town, so come explore.

Next up, we travel just a bit west to another hidden near west gem, Forest Park.

NEW GLARUS AND VERONA, WI

I have my husband well-trained.

When he knew he needed to dry-run some back-roads driving excursions for his Windy City Z Club, he knew the best way to lure me along was, “Hey, here’s a list of the yarn stores in the area.”  Smart, guy, my spouse.

This meant that after a pleasant afternoon navigating Green County’s backroads in search of automotive paradise, we pulled into the charming town of New Glarus.

New Glarus pretty much transplants a bit of Switzerland right down in Wisconsin.  It’s a genuine community--not a Swiss theme park or Epcot version, but a grounded, culturally strong community that feels very nice to visit.

After settling in at The Chalet Landhaus Inn (our friendly lodgings for the night) , we wandered over in search of dinner at:

Glarner Stube

518 1st St

New Glarus, WI 53574

(608) 527-2216

http://www.glarnerstube.com/

I can’t even remember what my husband had, I was so immersed in our wonderful fondue and my French onion soup.  Cheese heaven.  The place was packed, so make sure to get here early, as they don’t do reservations on the weekends.

The next morning I had an early appointment at our yarn fix--good thing they serve coffee as well at:

The Sow’s Ear

125 S. Main St.

Verona, WI 53593
608-848-2755
http://www.knitandsip.com/

A warm, friendly place that’s as much about the coffee as it is about the yarn.  This is the only yarn shop I’ve ever seen where people don’t just come for the fiber!  Owner Debra Wheeler, who began here as a high school employee and bought it from the owners in 2000, has done a remarkable job of crafting a perfect mix of fiber and coffee community.  “As a suburb of Madison, we have a huge espresso scene here,” Debra says, and she delivers to both audiences.  You know an owner is loved when her customers secretly yarn bomb the shop with knitted hearts for Valentine’s Day!

Boasting several classroom areas and a twelve-page list of available classes (most with wait lists!),  Debra is committed to moving people up the skill chain. “Scarf to hat to mittens and beyond.”  The store is packed with inspiration in the form of diverse finished projects and lots of great yarn in each weight.  Like the other places we’ve been, Sow’s Ear actively connects to the local fiber arts community.

Here are some projects to consider:

Selbucozy

Designed by Debra’s beloved late father David Helgesen, this artful can and bottle cozy utilizes Dale of Norway yarn (Sow’s Ear is the only area shop to carry this iconic yarn!) to create a colorwork piece that will cuddle your Wisconsin brew in style.

Sipsey’s Folly Sweater

The whimsical squirrel yolk on this sweater would be a huge hit with women from my Alpha Gamma Delta college sorrority days (the squirrel is AGD’s mascot).  Done up in Brown Sheep Company's Nature Spun sport weight, this design by Amy Detjen welcomes the fall weather in artsy style.

Balm to the Soul Shawl

Some of you may know Knitcircus’ Jaala Spiro--I met her for the first time at Chicago’s recent YarnCon--from her wonderful podcast.  Her marvelous handpainted yarn and this Ravelry pattern combine for a lovely shawl that any shoulder would love to display.

Owl Sweater

Sporting another artful neckline and some really lovely shaping, this Ravelry pattern wields Lamb's Pride bulky to fantastic results.  Thanks to the cable-crafted owls, this one looks as good in a neutral as it would in a bright color to catch the eye.

While I admit our Sunday morning visit didn’t allow us to sample the local business fare, peering in the windows did allow us to take confidence in Debra’s local suggestions:

Purple Goose Boutique

400 W. Verona Ave

Verona, Wisconsin

608-845-2368

Shopthepurplegoose.com

I was really sorry this shop wasn’t open--but my husband and my checkbook sighed with relief.  This looks like the place to find wonderfully unique, artistic clothing--the socks alone made me drool with envy. With nifty jewelry, cards made by local artists, artisan bath products (my personal indulgence of choice!), I could have spent happy hours--and hoards of dollars--in here.

Edelweiss Cheese Shop

202 West Verona Ave.

Verona, WI 53953

http://www.edelweisscheeseshop.com/

608-845-9005

This is Wisconsin, after all.  You’ve got to shop for cheese.  According to Debra, this is the go-to spot in Verona.  They’ve got cheese, cheese accessories, cow items, utensils, fondue pots...the whole dairy done up right.  And--also because this is Wisconsin--beer (more on that later).

If you’re ready to eat, Debra suggests:

Jordanal Farms Cookhouse

600 West Verona Ave 

Verona, WI 53953

608-848-3298

http://jordandalfarms.com/the-cookhouse-take-out

It’s not often I get to recommend a take-out place, but this one seems exceptional.  Locally sourced meat (from the nearby Jordanal Farm), this place boasts “good, wholesome, affordable, homecooked local food fast!!”  They even make their own pickles!  Personally, I found myself craving the sweet potato bacon salad, while my husband found the Friday night BBQ pork ribs quite compelling.

With Chicago calling us back home, we had time for one more stop to honor the one Wisconsin product we’ve not yet showcased:  beer.

New Glarus Brewing Company

2400 State Hwy 69

New Glarus, WI 53574

608-527-5850

http://www.newglarusbrewing.com/

Even I, who do not drink beer, was fascinated and entertained by our tour of the brewery and the wide selection of brews.  Okay, yes, it also had a lovely gift shop.  As beer destinations go, I was impressed.  You get a strong sense of a creative, innovative company that went far beyond the bottle of brew.  After all, craft people recognize fine craft in all kinds of endeavors, don’t we?  Based on the number of awards I saw, these people know their stuff.  I had to have something to fill my Sow’s Ear cozy, right?

All in all, these three adventures made for a fun, memorable time in Wisconsin that can suit your appetites no matter what the season--warm or cold.

Next up, we play with all that spiffy sheep yarn for a trio of quick projects.

MONROE, WI

Small town charm...

This was one of those years when I headed north and south in alternating waves.  It has made for some interesting comparisons in fiber culture.  While art is art no matter what the thermometer says, there’s just something about how a northern state takes to knitting.  The appreciation goes so much farther than the aesthetic--it’s survival to be able to cuddle up in warmth when the snow drifts deep.  So, when life afforded me the chance to head back into Wisconsin and find some more yarn destiKNITions, I went.

Last time we centered around Milwaukee.  This time we’ll be visiting three smaller towns--Monroe on one day, Verona and New Glarius the next.  You could do all these in a single long day from Chicago, but I wouldn’t recommend it...you want time to explore and enjoy, right?

One of my favorite aspects of midwestern living is the “circle the square” small town.  It’s the quintessential plaines states set up--a small town whose center is a square of commerce set up around either a park or the town hall.  There’s just something so friendly and connected about it that appeals to this urban techie girl.

Today we’ll be visiting Monroe.  First stop for me is always coffee, and in Monroe that means: 

Chocolate Temptation

1004 17th  Avenue

Monroe WI  53556

608-328-2462

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chocolate-Temptation/125278597522921

Sure, it’s a dessert place, but all destiKNITTers know the value of dessert for breakfast! (don’t worry, I’ll make sure you have something more traditional for lunch).  They have loads of delectable ice cream flavors, but I opted for an excellent latte (remember to stir--they serve it to you in layers!) and red velvet cheesecake.  There’s a reason the place has been going strong for 18 years--the chocolate here is outstanding.  Start here, and it’s nearly impossible to have a bad day.

Duly caffeinated, spend an hour or two wandering around the rest of the square.  On my visit, I found 

an indoor farmer’s market on Wednesdays and Saturdays (a rare treat in winter months)

a collection of antique boutiques at the Monroe Antiques Mall

At 1117 16th Avenue, I found some seriously good pastries and a local specialty called the Lindberger Roll (ideal for brats, sandwiches, or eating straight out of the bag) at the Boomerang Bakery

But there’s way more to explore here so grab all the info from a brochure or click here to see everything.  

When you’re ready to get your yarn on, head just a bit off the square to:

Orange Kitten Yarns

1209 17th Avenue

Monroe WI  53556

608-328-4140

http://www.orangekittenyarns.com/

Don’t let the small size fool you--this is a fun little shop with lots to offer.  If you want a taste of the fiber world’s wonderful connectivity, this is where you’ll find it.  Owner Jocelyn Kline is an enthusiastic Monroe ambassador, introducing you to the town community at every opportunity.  You just know a shop with a full-size cutout of Elvis in the bathroom and a weekly Wednesday “show and tell” session is a friendly place to knit.  

Jocelyn (left) and Benita (right)

Still brand new--just over a year old and barely nudging up to a full-open schedule--Jocelyn has found a niche as the hub and showcase for many local artisans.  No, you won’t find a wall full of every color here--although Jocelyn has a respectable stock of the basic commercial lines given the size of the shop.  What you will find are delightfully unique yarns from the thriving local community of fiber-producers, other locally sourced products like goatsmilk soaps, and eight new friends the moment you walk in.  Benita Miller was in making socks while I was there, and I felt like we were all related before I left (and, in a fiber sense, aren’t we?).  

This is a shop where you can “do knitting any way you want it--art, distraction, or community,” says Jocelyn, who sees her shop as more community service as commerce.  I feel as if should I ever move here, Jocelyn would have me plugged into the community before I unpacked my kitchen (maybe even before I unpacked my suitcase!).

This is the dairy state, and folks in Monroe take their cheese seriously.  Very seriously.  Every other year, they go all out for “Cheese Days”--the area’s biggest festival.  The next event--the 100th anniversary, mind you--is September 2014 and I plan to be there.  

I’ll be appropriately accessorized with our first knit-along from this shop:

Lucy Neatby’s Utterly Divine Bag

So bold and quirky I couldn’t resist!  I’ve avoided felting up until now, but this bag was just outrageous enough to break down my reluctance.  As with every Neatby creation, the fun colors also sport some very clever design tactics.  Who could say no?

If you’re looking for something more local and low-key, opt for:

Ewe n’ Me Enterprises Thrummed Mitten Kit

Inside a cozy knitted mitten are tufts of roving that will custom-felt to your hands as you wear them.  Hands-down the warmest mittens you can find, and in a rainbow of cheery colors.  Packaged into kits by the Winnebago IL company, they’re as pretty as they are practical--especially for those of us who lack the skill to artfully combine colors.

If you want a project that embodies Jocelyn’s connective philosophy, I’d suggest:

Sandy’s Art Yarn Hat

Art Yarn--fiber that’s tricked out with all kinds of goodies so that the strands are as much  a work of art as the final product--always adds extra pizzaz to basics like hats and scarves.  This kit is no exception.  A great way for a new knitter to get some high-power punch out of simple stitching, this kit creates a one-of-a-kind hat children or teens would adore.  You’ll hear more about Sandy and her happy sheep in our next post, by the way.

When you’re ready for lunch, you’ve got quite a few choices, but here’s the two we tried:

Cafe Claudeen

1014 17th Avenue

Monroe WI 53556

608-329-5899

http://www.cafeclaudeen.com/

This place is to food what Orange Kitten is to Yarn--a showcase for local products.  Friendly service, an inventive menu, and a casually elegant atmosphere make this an ideal place for lunch.  I had a lovely quiche while my companion had a hefty sandwich.  Had I not already indulged, the dessert case had several great options.  If you think small midwestern towns can’t deliver foodie-level noshing, this place will prove you wrong.

Want something a little less delicate but loaded with fun?  Try:

Baumgartner’s Cheese Store and Tavern

1301 15th Avenue

Monroe, WI  53556

608-325-6157

https://baumgartnercheese.com/

The line to sit down is your first clue this is a local favorite.  Filled with murals, dozens of cheese selections, and a basic tavern-style menu, this place oozes character.  With simple fare done to perfection, this place can handle a rowdy boys’ night out as easily as it hosts a kids’ lunch with grandpa.  As a matter of fact, our server asked if we’d mind sharing a table with an older couple out for a Sunday drive, and we ended up having one of the most entertaining lunch with strangers-turned-friends I’ve ever experienced.  The world is losing such places, so I’m glad this one still stands.  Hand your server a dollar and watch him tack it to the ceiling in the most original and entertaining charity drive I’ve ever seen!

Tune in next time to find out the wonderful farm adventure that finished our day in Monroe.  You won’t want to miss it!